Automatic doffer



June 7, 1966 z. SZALOKI ET AL AUTOMATIC DOFFER 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 18, 1962 INVENTORS ZOLTAN SZALOKI 8| WILLIAM W. WERTH Their ATTORNEYS.

June 7, 1966 z, sz o ET AL AUTOMATIC DOFFER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18, 1962 m QWN INVENTORS ZOLTAN SZALOKI 8 WILLIAM W. WERTH Y My W Their ATTORNEYS.

4 Sheets- 5 szALO ET AL AUTOMATIC DOFF June 7, 1966 Filed J 1962 ill! llllllllllll INVENTORS ZOLTAN S WILLIAM w. WERTH M16, 41- M74M NN NNN Then ATTORNEYS.

ET AL June 7, 1966 .Z- SZALOKI AUTOMATIC DOFFER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 18, 1962 INVENTORS ZOLTAN SZALOKI 8| WILLIAM W.WERTH ,Q L ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent 3,254,853 AUTOMATIC DOFFER Zoltan fizaloki, Whitinsville, and William W. Werth, Douglas, Mass., assignors to Whitin Machine Works, Whitinsville, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed June 18, 1962, Ser. No. 203,263 13 Claims. (Cl. 242-55.1)

The present invention relates to a lap forming machine and in particular to the automatic doffer in a lap forming machine.

Generally the present invention discloses a fully automatic apparatus for pressing and forming a large plurality of fiber strands into a wide, relatively thin, continuous strip of material called a lap. It discloses means for delivering this lap material to a lap sleeve upon which it can be rolled under pressure to a predetermined amount. This invention provides means for severing the continuous lap once a specific amount of material has been wound upon the lap sleeve. It provides means for ejecting the completed lap roll and for delivery of a fresh empty lap sleeve to the winding position.

The entire apparatus disclosed here is fully automatic although manual overriding controls are available. The system is composed generally of a plurality of motors, gears, rollers, clutches, signalling devices and hydraulic actuating means, all of which will be described below in detail.

Although lap forming machines in general are Well known in the textile machine art, this invention presents a fully automatic operation which includes a number of systems which individually disclose advancements over the prior art. For example, the operational sequence for severing the lap after a full lap roll of compressed fiber strands has been completed, the system for ejecting a completed lap roll and the system for delivering a fresh and empty lap sleeve to the lap winding position, all represent advancements in the art. They reduce the danger of breaking the continuous lap material at undesirable points, conserve space and generally simplify the entire operation.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a schematic right hand view of the driving and gear means for the automatic doifer portion of the lap forming machine;

FIGURE 2 is a left hand elevational view of the automatic lap doffer at a point where the lap is starting to be wound on an empty lap sleeve;

FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional left hand elevational view cut generally through the center of the automatic doffer shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a partially cut away left hand elevational view of the lap sleeve feeding mechanism of the automatic dolfer in the lap sleeve loading position.

With reference to the drawings the invention may generally be described by referring to the drive mechanism shown schematically in FIG. 1 and the path of a lap material 70 as shown in FIG. 3.

With reference to FIG. 1, main power source 10, through a series of intermediate gears and shafts, drives calendar rollers 22, 27, 28 and 29 through which lap material 70 is wound as shown in FIG. 3. Main power source 10 also drives upper support roller 39 through electrical clutch and gear chain 33 connected to shaft 17. Lower support roller 51 is connected to upper support roller 39 by gear chain 47 and rotates in the same direction as shown generally in FIG. 1.

is mounted on intermediate axis 13.

3,254,853 Patented June 7, 1966 Lap 70 proceeds from calendar rollers 22 and 27 and is wound generally on empty lap sleeve 55 which is held between upper support roller 39 and lower support roller 51 at a point designated 55e by lap flanges 62 and 63 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The lap sleeve 55 at a point designated 55e and lap flanges 62 and 63 rotate in response to the motion imparted to the lap sleeve by support rollers 39 and 51. As the lap sleeve continues to rotate the lap material wound upon the lap sleeve gradually increases in diameter. When the lap has been wound to a predetermined amount signaling means, such as 181 or 76, cause the main power source to stop.

Auxiliary power source 44 then engages and turns the upper support roller 39 and lower support roller 51 but is prevented from turning calendar rollers 22,27, 28 and 29 by the disengagement of electrical clutch 30.

The lap material 70 is thus soon severed between the stationary calendar rollers 22 and 27 and the completed lap roll 552 which continues to be turned by upper support roller 39 and lower support roller 51. The lap sleeve 55e with the completed lap roll is then released by the lap flanges 62 and 63. The completed lap 55e rolls in response to the rotation of the support rollers and proceeds to the position shown in FIG. 3.

The lap flanges 62 and 63 then engage an empty lap sleeve supplied by the lap sleeve feeding mechanism generally indicated by the reference character 200.

The driving system for the automatic dofier portion of a lap forming machine may be described in detail as follows. A main power source 10 is connected by frictional driving belt 11 to driving wheel 12 which The diameter of the driving wheel 12 is larger than the diameter of the driving wheel 37 mounted on shaft 36 of the main power source 10 thus providing for a step-down in rotational speed.

Main power source 10 drives intermediate shaft 13 in what will be termed here, a forward rotational direction. Small intermediate gear 14 is mounted on the other end of intermediate shaft 13 and connected by gear chain 15 to large gear 16 mounted in the middle of main shaft 17. Again the diameter of large gear 16 is much larger than the diameter of small intermediate gear 14 which allows main shaft 17 to rotate in a forward direction at a slower speed than intermediate shaft 13.

Mounted on the left end of main shaft 17 is lower calender transmission gear 18 which is connected by I gear chain 20 to upper calender transmisison gear 19. The slack in gear chain 20 is taken up by idler gear 21. Upper calender transmission gear 19 is connected to the left extremity of calender roller 22. Calender gear 23 is connected to the right end of calender roller 22 and meshes directly with calender gear 24. Calender gear 24 turns intermediate calender roller 27 in a rearward direction and meshes directly with calender gear 25. Calender gear 25 turns calender roller 28 in a forward direction and, in turn, meshes with upper calender gear 26 which turns calender roller 29 in a rearward direction.

Electrical magnetic clutch 30 is attached to the right end of main shaft 17, whereby shaft 17 may engage gear 31 or may be disengaged from gear 31, which gear surrounds main shaft 17, in response to control impulses received through signaling means 32. Electrical clutch 30 may be of a conventional type readily available on the commercial market.

Gear 31 is connected to large gear 34 by gear chain 33 with idler gear 35 improving the angle of engagement with each gear. Gear 34 is mounted upon shaft 40 of upper support roller 39 while outer gear 41 is also positioned upon the right side of support shaft 40 at a point substantially adjacent large gear 34. The gear 41 is connected by gear chain 42 to small gear 43 connected through clutch 45 to auxiliary power source 44.

As shown in FIG. 1 gear 46 is mounted upon the left end of the upper support shaft 40 and is connected to gear 48, mounted on the left end of shaft 51) of lower support roller 51, by gear chain 47. The slack in gear chain 47 is taken up by idling gear 49 while both support roller shafts 4t) and 50 rotate in a forward direction.

The lap frame arms 64 and 65 lower an empty lap sleeve to a point adjacent both upper support roller 39 and lower support roller 51. Thus, after the lap material is threaded through the calender rollers, it proceeds over the upper support roller and is wound upon the empty lap sleeve 55. The lap sleeve 55 is covered with a frictionally adhesive material, such as felt, which helps insure proper initial engagement with the leading edge of the new lap to be wound.

The sequence for starting and stopping the rotation of-the calender rollers and the rotation of the upper and lower support rollers is an important part of this invention. Basically the entire system will be in a stationary or non-operating position when the lap frame arms 64 and 65 lower the lap sleeve 55 to a point designated 55:; between support rollers 51 and 39 in response to timing means, pressure signal means, or electrical signal means. When contact is made, the auxiliary motor source 44 is started slowly and begins to turn upper support shaft 40 which, in turn, rotates lower support shaft 50. The lap material 70 thus gradually begins to be wound upon the empty lap sleeve 55a.

At the same time as, or just prior to, the signal starting auxiliary power source 44, electrical clutch 30 engages gear 31 and main shaft 17. Thus, auxiliary power source 44 also rotates calender rollers 22, 27, 28 and 29 powering main shaft 17 and support shafts 40 and 511 from stationary positions to nearly normal operational rotating speeds. An electrical signal means and timer (not shown) then start the main power source 11 which takes over energizing the already rotating system. Other embodiments are envisioned which use lap pressure or tension means for signaling the starting of main power source 10.

It is important that the lap material proceeding through the automatic dotfer, bestarted and gradually accelerated to the normal operational speed. Although the limited tensile strength of the lap material is a consideration, this gradual acceleration is required in order to permit the proper engagement of the leading edge of the new lap material between the slightly adhesive surface of the lap sleeve 55e and the upper support roller 39. Efficient normal operation, on the other hand, requires the services of a high speed power source. This invention meets both requirements without the services of a complicated gear shifting arrangement. Here the high torque low speed auxiliary power source gradually starts the rollers in motion. The driving momentum is then supplied by the low torque, high speed, main power source for the winding part of the operation. The auxiliary power source 44 may be cut off at this time.

When a predetermined amount of lap material has been wound upon lap sleeve 55c, signaling means stop the main power source 10, thereby stopping the rotation of the entire system. All shafts 13, 17, 40 and 50 are stationary at this point in the cycle.

After a short delay, timers (not shown) disengage electrical clutch 30 through signaling means 32, thus making gear 31 free to rotate about shaft 17. At the same time auxiliary power source 44 is again started and the upper support shaft 40 is rotated in a forward direction through the operation of clutch 45, gears 43 and 41, and gear chain 42. Again shaft 40, through gear chain 47, rotates lower support shaft 50.

Gear chain 33 which is attached to gear 34, which is likewise mounted on rotating shaft 49, is also placed in forward rotational operation. disengaging of clutch 30, the main shaft 17 remains stationary as do all of the calender rollers. Since the calender rollers are stationary and the support rollers are rotating, the lap material between these two points is placed under high tension. This material 70 is soon severed and the completed lap roll is ready then to be ejected from the automatic doffing mechanism.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lap material 70 proceeds from a general lap forming area (not shown) where a plurality of thicker fiber strands are united so as to form a continuous, wide, relatively thin sheet of lap material.

The lap material 70 proceeds from this lap forming area to the calender rollers over supporting tray 71 which is mounted generally to support frames 72. The calender rollers 22, 27, 28 and 29 are positioned vertically one above the other and are supported by a calender roll supporting frame 73 which, in turn, is supported generally by left side support 81 and right side support 79. The lap 71? enters the calender rollers between upper roller 29 and intermediate roller 28. When viewed from the right hand side of the machine, upper roller 29 is rotating in a clockwise direction and upper intermediate roller 28 is rotating in a counterclockwise direction. Thus the lap material. 70 is compressed between the calender rollers and is guided around between intermediate rollers 27 and 28 by guiding elements 38 and 37. The compressed lap material 70 emerges from the calender rollers 22 and 27 and proceeds along tray 83 which is supported by projection 84 of calender frame 73. The lap material then proceeds downward to a point adjacent the outer surface of the forwardly rotating upper support roller 39 and is wound around an empty lap sleeve 55:2.

The lap sleeve 55e is held firmly in place by two axially moving lap flanges 62 and 63 which in turn, are connected to two outer shafts (not shown) which are located within bearing assemblies 60 and 61.

Looking at the left side of the automatic doffing machine, as shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that an outer shaft, generally in the area designated 90, is mounted within left bearing assembly 61. Thus the two lap flanges and their two supporting shafts, and the lap sleeve which is clamped therebetween, are all free to rotate within the bearing assemblies 60 and 61. Left bearing assembly 61 is, in turn, permanently fixed to left lap frame bar 65 while right bearing assembly 60 is firmly attached to right lap frame bar 64.

The lap frame bar 55 extends above and below bearing assembly 61 with its lower portion 93 being received within channel elements 94 and 95 which are firmly attach-ed to left frame wall 81 by studs 96, 97, 98 and 99 as shown in FIG. 2. The lower portion 93 of lap frame bar 55 is thus free to move linearly into and out of channel 22.

In a similar manner right bearing assembly 611 is firmly mounted on right lap frame 64 the lower portion of which is free to move linearly into and out of the lower right channel 112. This lower right channel 112 is formed by channel supporting elements 114 and 115 which, in turn, are securely mounted to right frame wall 79 by fixtures 116, 117, 118 and 119.

The lower portion 93 of lap frame 65 has a transverse groove 101, the longitudinal axis of which is perpendicular to the direction of movement of lap frame 65. The left end of transverse shaft 100 moves within groove 1111 and is attached to the forward point 1112 of a centrally disposed A-shaped linking element 103. The upper point 104 of linking element 103 is held firmly in place during any specific operation by transverse rod 12-4 and fastening means 135 located on left wall 81 and fastening means on right wall 79. The rearward point of a linking element 103 is connected by However, because of the rod 107 with a pressure cylinder generally indicated by reference numeral 108.

This A-shaped linking frame 103 is connected to right lap frame bar 64 by transverse rod 100, the right end of which is free to move transversely in groove 121 located in the lower portion of the lap frame bar 64. Thus the forward element 102 rotates upwardly and forwardly in unison with the linear movement of lap frame bars 64 and 65.

Generally the hydraulic pressure cylinder 108 causes rod 107 to move in a forward direction thus rotating point 102- upward and to the left as it and transverse rod 100 swing about fixed transverse rod 124 and fixed points 135 and 125. This general upward movement is only governed by pressure cylinder 108 and by the lap material 70 being wound on the lap sleeve 55s. As the diameter of the lap material already wound on the lap sleeve gradually increases the lap frame bars 65 land 64 move upwardly at such a rate as to maintain the same relative pressure between the lap roll and the lap frame 68.

When a predetermined amount of lap material has been wound upon the lap sleeve 55e, main power source is disengaged and the calender rollers are stopped. As explained above, when the auxiliary power source 4 starts the support rollers in motion, the lap material 70 is severed at a point between lap sleeve 55e and lower calender rollers 22 and 27.

After the last portion of the lap material is wound upon the completed lap roll and the roll is in the completed lap roll position, the hydraulic means within hearing assemblies 60 and 61 are actuated through signal means 66 and 67 which cause the lap flanges 62 and 63 to move axially away from each other thereby allowing the lower support roller 51 to move the completed lap roll into the lap roll storage position 160 as shown in FIG. 3.

As stated above the lap frame 68, generally composed of lap frame arms 64 and 65, moves 'in a linear direction between three specific positions. The first, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is called the winding position and marks the lowest point of travel for the lap frame. The uppermost position, or third position, is shown in FIG. 4 with an empty lap sleeve in position 55d and may be referred to hereafter as the lap sleeve loading position.

Intermediate between these two extreme positions is a fixed ejection position at which the lap roll may be completed and dropped onto an ejection train. This second or intermediate position may be determined by signaling means 181 coming in contact with signaling means 185 attached below the bearing case 180 of right bearing 60 as shown in FIG. 3.

This signaling means 181 is generally held in bracket 182 which is mounted to the right frame wall'79 and held by fasteners 183. Signaling means 184 proceeds to electrical control means (not shown) which, in turn, causes a main power source 10 to stop once the lap frame has reached this completed lap roll position. As stated above, the auxiliary power source causes the completed lap roll to be severed and thereafter the lap flanges 62 and 63 move apart and allow ejection of the completed lap roll in response to hydraulic and electrical signals emitted in a timed sequence from a main control (not shown). The whole sequence may be, however, initially actuated by signaling means 181.

On the other hand, these electrical timers may be actuated by lap counter 76 which measures the amount of lap material 70 passing through the calender rollers. Thus a predetermined amount may be set on dials 77, which later stop the main power source 10, the movement of hydraulic cylinder 108, and the upward rotation of the A-shaped link 103. Thus, when usingthis signaling means, the lap roll completion position may be located at any point between the uppermost and lower- 6 most lap frame positions. Thereafter the lap frame 68 will move upwardly to the second or ejection position which again may be determined by signaling means 181 contacting signaling means 185. Manual alternate switches are provided for choosing the signaling means to be used.

After the completed lap roll has been ejected, fluid cylinder 108 causes rod 107 to move forward thereby displacing point 106 of A-shaped link 103 in a forward direction. This link 103 rotates about fixed transverse rod 124 in a forward direction causing point 102 to move generally in an upward direction. Thus the hydraulic means 108 causes the lap frame 68 to move from the second position, in which the lap roll is ejected, to the third or uppermost position as shown in FIG. 4, where a fresh lap sleeve is fed to and received by the axially movable lap flanges.

This uppermost or third la-p frame position may be determined by a large variety of signaling means. For example, protruding element 187 located on the projection 188, which is held to side wall 79 by fasteners 189, may act as a signaling means for stopping the upward movement of the lap frame. Furthermore, automatic timers or even fluid pressure measuring devices may be used to stop the upward movement of A-shaped link 103 and lap frame bars 64 and 65. With lap frame 68 in position the lap sleeve feeding mechanism swings into operation.

It is quite important that the lap walls 79 and 81 have sufficient strength to withstand the lateral out-ward reaction of hydraulic bearing assemblies 60 and 61. These assemblies force lap flanges 62 and-63 together into a tight clamping engagement with the centrally disposed lap sleeve. -An equal, but outward, pressure is exerted by each of these assemblies upon lap frame bars 64 and 65 and, in turn, on walls 79 and 81. To provide these frame walls with adequate support, bracing elements 136 and and adjustable bracing rods 137 are clamped to each frame wall, the right side group being shown in FIG. 2. Bracing elements 140 and 136 are firmly attached to wall 81 by fasteners 141 and 135 respectively. Nuts 1'38 and 139 may be tightened on the ends of bracing rods 137 so as to bow lap side walls 81 and 79 slightly inwardly, thereby increasing their resistance to outward deformation.

Transverse brace 165 rigidly supports the left and right hand walls 81 and 79 and, as shown in FIG. 3, is fastened to wall 79 by fastening elements 167 and 168.

The entire lap forming machine frame may be positioned exactly above the floor by adjustable supports 151 which allow bracing element 152 to be'moved to various points along threaded element 153. Clearance is thus provided for low points 149 on lap frame 68.

Brace 161 which is attached to the left and right hand outer walls 81 and 79 by fastener 16 2 helps support a receiving tray 163 for completed lap roll shown wrapped around lap sleeve 55 The other portion of lap receiving tray 163 is supported by brace 164. Microswitch 166 is positioned at a low point in receiving tray 163 and will automatically stop the main power source 10 if a completed lap remains in position 160 and a second lap is ready for ejection.

Electrical and hydraulic controlling elements 320, 323 and 324 which may be manually operated by switches 321 and other controls (not shown) permit manual control of the entire doffing operation. One of the switches 321 is a jogging switch which energizes the lap forming machine for just a very short period of time, thereby allowing very fine adjustments to be made in the system.

The feeding mechanism is generally designated bythe reference numeral 200 as shown in FIG. 3. This feeding mechanism is positioned above the support rollers and is mounted upon left frame wall 81 by support struts 201 and 202 fastened at points 205 and 206 respectively. Similarly struts 203 and 204 are mounted upon right frame wall 79 at point 207 and other points not shown. Support struts 201 and 203 are joined by transverse axis 220, while diagonal cross struts 202 and 204 are joined by transverse axis 221. These transverse axes 220 and 221 are, in turn, rigidly supported by braces 209 and 210 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Side walls 309 and 310 are also shown.

A plurality of suspended braces 223, 224, 225 and 226 connect tilted sleeve support tray 222 to transverse axes 220 and 221. A plurality of empty sleeves including 55a and 5512 are shown resting upon inclined tray 222. Empty lap sleeve 55b, having rolled forward, is' held in position by surface 276 of lower pivot 275 and by upper frame 270 which is held in place by fasteners 27 1. Surface 276 prevents sleeve 55b from proceeding downwardly and rearwardly along tray 222, while upper brace 270 prevents lap sleeve 55b from moving up and over surface 276. Sleeve 55a and other empty lap sleeves are supported by and positioned above, lap sleeve 55b.

Delivery arm 250 extends rearwardly from the pivoting bar 221 in a direction generally parallel to the floor of tilted tray 222. Attached to delivery arm 250 is counterweight 232, which is positioned near the pivoting end of 250, but still rearwardly of pivoting bar 221. Counterweight bar 232 is mounted perpendicularly above delivery arm 250, and, as shown in FIG. 2, extends upwardly in almost a vertical direction.

Connected intimately with delivery arm 250 is looking arm 233 which also pivots directly about transverse bar 221. Surface 245 is located at the extreme end of arm 23'3 away from pivot 221. The surface 245 engages the stop 244 when the delivery arm is in a generally vertical position, as shown in FIG. 4. It is in this position that a fresh lap sleeve 55d is positioned between the two lap flanges 62 and 63. These lap flanges, thereafter, move toward each other, axially clamping the lap sleeve 55d. The latching arm 233 makes an obtuse angle of approximately 130 to 160 with the longitudinal axis of delivery arm 250, as shown in FIG. 4.

When delivery arm 250 is in its upper standby position, generally parallel to the floor of tilted support tray 222, latching arm 233 is held in place by pivoting lock 234. Specifically, notch 237 on the lower surface of this pivoting lock engages flat surface 245 of pivoting arm 233, as shown in FIG. 2.

Attached to latching arm 233 is air compression cylinder 260 which is rigidly pivoted to tilted support tray 222 at pivot point 262. This air compression cylinder merely acts to soften and gradually resist the movement of latching arm 233. This resistance occurs in both directions, when latching arm 233 moves from its lock position against notch 237 to its lower position against stop 244, and also when it moves from stop 244 toward notch 237.

Connecting the upper extremities of lap frame bars 64 and 65 is transverse strut 190 which is attached to the lap frame bars by fasteners 191. Positioned on the outside of lap frame bar 64 is return actuating element 192, held in place by fasteners 193. Positioned to the left of left lap frame bar 65 is left return actuator 194, fastened in that position and at points 195.

Release actuating member 198 is attached to transverse strut 190 by fasteners 197 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. As the lap frame bars 64 and 65 move upwardly from the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this delivery actuating member 198 actually'comes in contact with surface 241 of slide 238 which is attached to pivoting latch 234 by brace 236 and fasteners 240. Bar 238 is slidable within brace 236 and when extended downwardly in the normal position, it allows surface 241 to be engaged by the upper surface of release actuating member 198.

Thus when the lap frame 68 moves into its uppermost position, latch 234 is pivoted upwardly about point 235 thereby rotating notch area 237 up and away from surface 245. Consequently latch arm 233 is released and the combined weight of the lap sleeve in position 550 and the counterweight 232, causes delivery arm 250 to rotate downwardly about pivot 221, until the lap sleeve arrives in position 55d as shown in FIG. 4. The air compression cylinder 260 cases this downward movement although it is not sufficient to arrest it. The final position of delivery arm 250 is determined by stop 244 as stated above.

Thus it can be seen that as soon as lap flanges 62 and 63, which are attached to the lap frame bars 64 and 65, reach the lap sleeve loading position, delivery arm 250 is instantly lowered.

At the time that actuating member 198 releases latching member 234, signal point 182 comes in contact with a point on the bearing surface of bearing assembly unit 60. This or other electrical or fluid pressure signaling means develop signals which actuate the axial movement of the lap flanges 62 and 63. Thus, as soon as the lap sleeve 55d is in position the lap flanges clamp against both of its ends.

These signaling means also cause fluid cylinder assembly 108 to reverse the movement of linking arm 107, thereafter retracting it rearwardly. This causes A-shaped linkage 103 to rotate counterclockwise, when viewed from the left hand side of the machine, and thus causes lap frame "bars 64 and 65 to descend in support channels 92 and 112.

As the lap flanges move lap sleeve 55d downwardly to the right as viewed in FIG. 4, holding element 251 pivots about point 252. Normally holding element 251 is held firmly adjacent and parallel to delivery arm 250 by magnetic means 253 and 255. However, the downward force developed by the movement of lap sleeve 55d acting against holder 251 is sufiicient to overcome the magnetic attraction of elements 253 and 255 and holding element 251 soon pivots out of the way of descending lap sleeve cylinder 55d.

As soon as the lap sleeve has cleared holding element 251, compression spring 256, which is attached to delivery arm 250 by stud 257, acts upon holding element 251 and causes it to return to its previous position parallel to delivery arm 250. Thus, once again magnetic elements 255 and 253 are brought into locking contact.

As lap frame bars 64 and 65 move downwardly the lower surfaces of return actuating elements 194 and 192 engage roller surfaces 230 located on the end of arms 231 and 233. A common brace supports arms 231 and 233 and is, in turn, fastened to delivery arm 250 and thus pivots about transverse bar 221.

As the lap frame 68 continues its descent, return actuating elements 192 and 194, acting through return arms 231 and 233, force delivery arm 250 to rotate counterclockwise, when viewed from the left hand side, up to its normal locked position. The rotative movement caused by the descent of the lap frame is suificient, when the delivery arm is approaching its upper position, to carry the surface 245 on latching arm 233 into engagement with notch 237. Again air compression cylinder 260 resists this return movement, but lacks sufiicient magnitude to cause more than a dampening effect.

Pivoting latch 234 is resting against projecting stop 242 when latching arm 233 swings back into position. Initially the side opposite surface 242 will contact pivoting latch 234, moving it momentarily upward. This upward movement is immediately stopped by the pull of gravity and notch 237 returns to engaged surface 245.

The fact that the lap sleeve 55d has been removed from the delivery arm 250 accounts to some extent for this increased angular momentum which allows the delivery arm to return to its locked upper position.

As the delivery arm 250 moves upwardly, projection 282 on its upper surface comes in contact with surface 277 of pivoting element 275. This impact causes both element 275 and element 282 to rotate counterclockwise about pivots 278 and 284 respectively, when viewed from the left side as in FIGS. 3 and 4. The counterclockwise rotation of pivoting element 275 results in releasing sleeve cylinder 55d allowing it to roll downwardly to the right as seen in FIG. 4.

The counterclockwise rotation of element 282 around pivot 284 also causes the counterclockwise rotation of receiving piece 283 which moves upward into an inclined semi-vertical position. This element 283 is contacted by empty lap sleeve 55b as it rolls downwardly toward holder 251. The impact of lap sleeve 55b against element 283 causes it to rotate again but this time in the clockwise direction. This clockwise rotation allows projecting element 282 to slip past surface 277 of pivoting element 275. This, in turn, allows spring biased pivotal element 275 to rotate clockwise to its original position so that surface 276 stops the next lap sleeve 55a as it proceeds down the lap tray. Pivotal element 275 is biased in this case by spring element 280 which is attached to stationary point 282 and pivoting point 279 located on pivotal element 275.

In addition, switching means 301 are provided which automatically stops the lap forming machine when the lap sleeve feeding tray has been emptied of rollers. Assuming that in FIG. 3, lap sleeve 55b and the lap sleeves to its left are absent, element 307 would be allowed to rotate upwardly in response to the pressure exerted by spring-biased rod 302 upon projection 304, thereby allowing rod 307 to move to the right and to signal means through line 300 for disengaging the lap machine drives. If, on the other hand, a lap sleeve is in the position 55b, as shown in FIG. 3, element 307 remains in a downward location, parallel with the lower surface of tray 222, thereby preventing the rearward movement of rod 302, and thus preventing signaling means 300 from stopping the machine.

Thus this invention discloses for the first time an automatic trigger-action feeding mechanism which swiftly places a fresh lap sleeve in the lap sleeve loading position and which provides a wide variety of numerous advantages such as magnetic delivery means, cushioning means, automatic cut-off means and a time saving trigger release mechanism.

The entire system reveals an efficient ejection means which, due to the inclinedlinear travel of the lap frame 68, deposits the completed lap roll directly above a lower support roller thereby allowing the completed lap roll to proceed forward in response to the gravitational movement of its own weight and the continued rotation of the lower support roller.

The whole system provides a compact, precisely engineered unit which has virtually eliminated all the wasted mechanical and manual motions formerly found in the dofiing operation.

As stated above the synchronization of the clutch and power drive systems provides for'an eflicient and speedy way for starting the lap machine into operation without subjecting the lap material to extremely high tensile stresses. This same clutch system also provides for a simple method for severing the lap material once a lap sleeve has been completely wound. Under this system it is unnecessary to gear down a powerful high speed main motor which is used to drive the entire lap machine. The system introduced by this invention is not only eflicient from the fuel consumption standpoint, but is an extremely efficient method for maintaining continuous production.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be re- 10 sorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

We claim:

1. A lap forming apparatus comprising a main power source for generating rotative motion,

a set of calender rollers, v

at least one support roller spaced from said calender rollers to receive textile material in the form of a lap,

first transmission means for conveying said rotative motion from said main power source to said calender rollers at a first rotative speed,

second transmission means for rotating aid first transmission means and said support roller at the same speed,

clutch means attached to said second transmission means for engaging and disengaging said second transmission means,

an auxiliary power source for generating rotative motion,

third transmission means for conveying said rotative motion from said auxiliary power means to said support roller at a second rotative speed slower than said firstrotative speed,

means attached to said auxiliary power source for (a) starting said auxiliary power source when said lap roll is complete and'for (b) subsequently stopping said auxiliary power source when said main power source is started,

. means attached to said clutch means for (a) engaging said clutch at a delayed interval after the starting of said auxiliary power source and for (b) disengaging said clutch when said lap roll is complete,

means attached to said main power source for (a) eugaging said main power source at a delayed interval after said clutch is engaged and for (b) stopping said main power source when said la-p roll is complete, and

means for delivering an empty lap sleeve to a position adjacent said support roller and for ejecting said lap roll when it is complete.

2. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus comprising a sleeve storage means,

a pivotal delivery frame positioned below said storage means movable between an upper position and a lower lap sleeve loading position,

locking means pivotally attached to said storage means for positively holding said delivery frame in place,

flanges for receiving said empty lap sleeve when it is placed in said lap sleeve loading position,

actuating means attached to at least one lap flange for releasing said delivery frame,

means for moving said delivery frame into the lap sleeve loading position,

lap sleeve holding means releasably pivoted to said delivery frame movable in a primary position with said delivery frame between said upper and lower positions and movable to a third non-interfering position about a pivot on said delivery frame when said lap sleeve is engaged by said flanges, and

means for returning said delivery frame and said lap sleeve holding means to said upper position.

3. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said lap sleeve holding means and said delivery frame each have a magnetic portion which engages the magnetic portion of the other and holds said lap sleeve holding means and said delivery frame in adjacent positions until an empty lap sleeve is removed from said holding means, said magnetic portions being disengageable to enable said lap sleeve holding means to rotate to said third non-interfering position about said pivot on said delivery frame.

4. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus comprising a sleeve storage means,

a pivotal delivery frame positioned below said storage means movable between an upper position and a lower lap sleeve loading position,

locking means pivotally attached to said storage means for positively holding said delivery frame in place,

flanges for receiving said empty lap sleeve when it is placed in said lap sleeve loading position,

actuating means attached, to at least one lap flange for releasing said delivery frame,

means for moving said delivery frame into the lap sleeve loading position,

lap sleeve holding means releasably pivoted to said delivery frame movable in a primary position with said delivery frame between said upper and lower positions and movable to a third non-interfering position about a pivot on said delivery frame when said lap sleeve is engaged by said flanges,

resilient means attached to said delivery frame for returning said holding means to its primary position adjacent said delivery frame, and

means attached to said flanges for returning said delivery frame to its upper position.

5. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus as described in claim 2 in combination with compression means for easing said delivery means into said lap sleeve loading position.

6. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus as described in claim 2 in combination with compression means for easing the return of said delivery means into said upper position.

'7. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus comprising a pivotal lap sleeve delivery arm movable between a storage position and a loading position having an upper portion and a lower portion pivotally attached to said upper portion,

releasable magnetic means attached to said delivery arm for holding said lower portion of said delivery arm in a first position with respect to said upper portion,

lap winding means movable between said loading position and a lap winding position for removing an empty lap sleeve from the lower portion of said delivery arm at said loading position, said lap winding means being movable relative to said delivery arm to release said magnetic means and to pivot said lower portion of said delivery arm relative to said upper portion of said arm to a second position releasing said lap sleeve from said arm,

means for moving said winding means, and

means for returning said lower portion of said delivery arm to said loading position after said magnetic means has been released and said empty lap sleeve has been pulled away toward said lap winding position by said lap winding means.

8. A lap forming apparatus comprising a lap delivery means,

an upper support roller adjacent said lap delivery means,

a lower support roller adjacent and below said upper support roller, positioned on the side of said upper support roller opposite from said lap delivery means,

tilted sliding means for transporting a rotatable lap sleeve from one location to a second location adjacent both said upper support roller and said lower support roller, and

means for winding lap material on said lap sleeve and for ejecting said completed lap roll.

9. A lap forming apparatus comprising an upper lap roller,

a lower lap roller positioned in front and below said upper lap roller,

means for rotating at least said lower lap roller,

tilted sliding means for moving a completed lap roll from a position adjacent both said upper and said lower lap rollers after format-ion of said lap roll to a point above said lower lap roller,

means for releasing said completed lap roll from said tilted sliding means at a point above the top of said lower lap roller, whereby the rotation of said lower lap rollers moves said completed lap away from said upper lap roller, and

means for receiving said completed lap roll after it has been moved away from said upper lap roller by the rotation of said lower lap roller.

10. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus comprising an empty lap sleeve delivery arm having a first pivoting means for controlling the movement of said arm between an upper storage position and a lower delivery position,

a lap sleeve holding element attached to the portion of said delivery arm which is movable into said lower delivery position, said holding element being pivotable about said delivery arm when in said lower delivery posit-ion thereby depositing an empty lap sleeve in a lap winding apparatus, and

means for returning said delivery arm to said upper storage position.

11. A lap forming apparatus comprising a lap frame movable in an inclined plane to a position adjacent two winding rollers,

means for moving said lap frame upwardly in said inclined plane from a fixed intermediate completed lap roll ejection position to an uppermost lap sleeve loading position,

means for supplying a lap sleeve,

axially movable lap flanges mounted upon two aligned shafts mounted on opposite sides of said lap frame,

, means for moving said lap flanges together at said uppermost position thereby clamping an empty lap sleeve,

means for lowering said lap frame to a lowermost initial winding position where lap material is wound upon said lap sleeve,

means for moving said lap frame upwardly to said fixed intermediate completed lap roll ejection position, and

means for moving said lap flanges apart and for ejecting said completed lap roll.

12. A lap forming apparatus as described in claim 11 wherein said means for moving said lap frame upwardly to said fixed intermediate completed lap ejection position includes means for moving said lap frames into at least one of a plurality of intermediate lap completion positions.

13. A lap sleeve feeding apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising automatic means for signaling a main power means when the last empty lap sleeve has left the lap sleeve feeding tray.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS MERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner.

G. F. MAUTZ, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A LAP FORMING APPARATUS COMPRISING A MAIN POWER SOURCE FOR GENERATING ROTATIVE MOTION, A SET OF CALENDER ROLLERS, AT LEAST ONE SUPPORT ROLLER SPACED FROM SAID CALENDER ROLLERS TO RECEIVE TEXTILE MATERIAL IN THE FORM OF A LAP, FIRST TRANSMISSION MEANS FOR CONVEYING SAID ROTATIVE MOTION FROM SAID MAIN POWER SOURCE TO SAID CALENDER ROLLERS AT A FIRST ROTATIVE SPEED, SECOND TRANSMISSION MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID FIRST TRANSMISSION MEANS AND SAID SUPPORT ROLLER AT THE SAME SPEED, CLUTCH MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID SECOND TRANSMISSION MEANS FOR ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING SAID SECOND TRANSMISSION MEANS, AN AUXILIARY POWER SOURCE FOR GENERATING ROTATIVE MOTION, THIRD TRANSMISSION MEANS FOR CONVEYING SAID ROTATIVE MOTION FROM SAID AUXILIARY POWER MEANS TO SAID SUPPORT ROLLER AT A SECOND ROTATIVE SPEED SLOWER THAN SAID FIRST SPEED, MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID AUXILIARY POWER SOURCE FOR (A) STARTING SAID AUXILIARY POWER SOURCE WHEN SAID LAP ROLL IS COMPLETE AND FOR (B) SUBSEQUENTLY STOPPING SAID AUXILIARY POWER SOURCE WHEN SAID MAIN POWER SOURCE IS STARTED, MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID CLUTCH MEANS FOR (A) ENGAGING SAID CLUTCH AT A DELAYED INTERVAL AFTER THE STARTING OF SAID AUXILIARY POWER SOURCE AND FOR (B) DISENGAGING SAID CLUTCH WHEN SAID LAP ROLL IS COMPLETE, MEANS ATTACHED TO SAID MAIN POWER SOURCE FOR (A) ENGAGING SAID MAIN POWER SOURCE AT A DELAYED INTERVAL AFTER SAID CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND FOR (B) STOPPING SAID MAIN POWER SOURCE WHEN SAID LAP ROLL IS COMPLETE, AND MEANS FOR DELIVERING AN EMPTY LAP SLEEVE TO A POSITION ADJACENT SAID SUPPORT ROLLER AND FOR EJECTING SAID LAP ROLL WHEN IT IS COMPLETE. 